#development

Higuchi, Dosho masterclass as UWW hosts women’s camp at Shigakkan

By United World Wrestling Press

OBU, Aichi, Japan (November 16) — The 2025 United World Wrestling Women’s Training Camp at Shigakkan University concluded after twelve days of intensive training, education, and cultural exchange.

The university has been one of the leaders of women’s wrestling in Japan and worldwide and has produced champion wrestlers including four-time Olympic champion Kari ICHO (JPN) and 13-time world champion Saori YOSHIDA (JPN).

Organized as part of UWW’s ongoing initiative to promote growth and provide high-level opportunities for female athletes worldwide, this edition followed last July’s successful camp held at the Inspire Institute of Sport (IIS) in Vijayanagar, Karnataka, India.

Shigakkan University demonstrated outstanding commitment by providing excellent facilities, coordination, and support, while the 20 athletes from 11 countries showed remarkable dedication, professionalism, and a strong work ethic throughout the program.

Japan

A highlight of the camp was the series of masterclasses by Japan’s most accomplished wrestlers including Olympic champion Rei HIGUCHI (JPN), who led a four-day technical instruction masterclass during the camp, demonstrating a series of wrestling techniques.

Paris Olympic silver medalist Daichi TAKATANI (JPN) opened the camp with two days of teaching and showcased some of his signature techniques. Sara DOSHO (JPN), Olympic champion in Rio 2016, guided the final two days with practical, detail-oriented sessions rooted in her championship experience.

The camp also had anti-doping and sport-nutrition workshops, delivered by Professor Taro MURAKAMI from the Department of Nutrition, was supported by Hirobumi TADA, who made the session interactive through a card-based educational game. University students also participated, helping create an engaging atmosphere that emphasized clean sport and athlete responsibility.

Dr. Hideyuki GOTO, from the Department of Sports and Fitness and team doctor of the Shigakkan Women’s Wrestling program, offered a hands-on class on concussion awareness and prevention. Athletes received practical demonstrations with ultrasound and clear guidance on injury detection and safe athlete care.

Daichi TAKATANI (JPN)

The wrestlers also participated in an Exchange Event with university students that included a traditional Japanese tea ceremony, summer kimono experience, matcha preparation, origami.

The camp also received the special visit of Dr. Kuniko TANIOKA, Chairperson and President of Shigakkan University, who warmly welcomed the participants on behalf of the institution.

The collaboration between UWW and Shigakkan University resulted in a comprehensive program that combined elite technical training, educational development, and meaningful cultural exchange.

#development

Jordan hosts coaching and referee courses

By United World Wrestling Press

AMMAN, Jordan (August 29) -- Jordan Wrestling Federation hosted a series of education courses for their coaches and referees between August 5-17 in Amman. These courses were conducted in conjunction with United World Wrestling, Olympic Solidarity, and the Jordan Wrestling Federation.

The coaching courses were led by Ahmed KHEDHRI (TUN) while the referee course was led by UWW Referee Commission vice-president Kamel BOUAZIZ (TUN).

The first course conducted was the Introduction to Referee Course from August 5-7. Forty participants participated in the course which included six women referees. The participants learned the foundations of what it takes to be a successful referee.

The areas covered during the course included: the safety of the athletes, evaluation of holds, referee mechanics, positioning, and controlling the bout. The participants were active during the course and were able to practice their skills through practical evaluations.

JordanThe coach's course in Amman. (Photo: United World Wrestling)

“It was an excellent training course as all the participants are happy with it and wish to repeat such courses," Bouaziz said. "Members of the Jordan Federation and Olympic Committee expressed their thanks to the International Olympic Committee, UWW and the IF's development department for their great contribution and keenness to develop wrestling in the Kingdom of Jordan.”

Following the referee course, Khedri led 40 participants in the Introduction to Coaching and Safety Course (Level 1). The course included nine women [coaches and athletes] and 31 men [coaches, PE teachers, and athletes].

All participants learned the foundations of being a successful coach. They focused on the following areas: discovery games, introducing a new technique, coaching skills, giving feedback, risk management, age and developmental stage characteristics. During the course, the coaches actively practiced and developed their skills through practical evaluations.

“The atmosphere was distinguished, based mainly on teamwork, involvement and practice of all participants individually and by group system,” Khedhri said.

JordanA competition was held after the completition of both the courses. (Photo: United World Wrestling)

Following the completion of the two courses, the Jordan Wrestling Federation hosted a competition that allowed the referees and coaches to practice the skills that they learned. This competition had 80 boys and 16 girls participating which allowed 87 bouts to be wrestled.

After the competition, Khedhri conducted the Introduction to Practice Planning Course (Level 2). This course had 45 coaches participating [nine women and 36 men].

During this course, the participants learned the foundations of planning effective training sessions. They discussed the general framework for practice plans, risk management strategies in planning, creating activities during practice, video analysis, and effective time management. The participants were able to create practice plans that they could use in upcoming training.

“They were outstanding courses and a convincing performance from all the participants," Khedhri said. "The participants expressed the improvement of their knowledge and their desire to continue to participate in such courses and along with a commitment of the Jordan Federation, which expressed their complete satisfaction and thanks to Olympic Solidarity, the Jordanian Olympic Committee, and the UWW Development department, confirming their continued hard work for the benefit of Jordanian wrestling."